I went to Oxford today to visit my cellar and pick up some wines to drink over the next month or so. I got eighteen bottles and two magnums; pretty heavy on the way back. This is one (I’ve got more of this in the cellar. Good) which I have risked opening after the shaky journey from Oxford.
This is Jean Lionnet’s prestige cuvée of Cornas, he makes a basic cuvée too. His wines tend to be less rustic than those of other Cornas producers.
Cornas Domaine de Rochepertuis 1998, Jean Lionnet
This has a lovely nose of grilled meat, leather and fresh, ripe blackcurrants. There is real complexity there and it smells very refined. The alcohol seems very well integrated and harmonious (claimed 13%). The palate has sophisticated tannins, plenty of fruit and a real persistence of flavour. For a Cornas this is really svelte and silky. This is just approaching drinkability, and will continue to provide pleasure for several years to come. Great Cornas.